I think this is a horrible trade for the Nationals (but their choice was to either trade Morse or make him a bench player), but posters on the Nationals forum I frequent are mostly high on Cole, despite his lackluster performance in the minors last season.

__________________"Hope...may be indulged in by those who have abundant resources...but its nature is to be extravagant, and those who go so far as to stake their all upon the venture see it in its true colors only when they are ruined."-- Thucydides

I think this is a horrible trade for the Nationals (but their choice was to either trade Morse or make him a bench player), but posters on the Nationals forum I frequent are mostly high on Cole, despite his lackluster performance in the minors last season.

Morse is pretty redundant on that roster and they obviously like this pitcher after drafting him and reacquiring him.

Morse is pretty redundant on that roster and they obviously like this pitcher after drafting him and reacquiring him.

They gave him up to get Gio.

The Nats GM was asked about this the other day and he said despite Cole's lackluster performance so far they still feel his upside his considerable, it's a decent return. Morse is a solid player but was hurt often and they didn't have anyplace for him regardless.

Nationals have had a very good winter. Filled their center field need and added to an already very good pitching staff.